Photosystem II and cellular membrane stability evaluation in hexaploid wheat seedlings under salt stress conditions

Salinity limits crop production in large areas of the world. The application of in vitro Photosystem II (PS‐II) activity measurements to screen hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.) genotypes for NaCl tolerance has been investigated by comparing their responses under stress and control (no added NaCl) conditions. One of the four cultivars used in the study was ‘Kharchia’ known for its high salt tolerance. Wheat seedlings were grown hydroponically in environmental chambers and treated with a range of NaCl concentrations (0.034 M, 0.17 M, 0.68 M, or 3.42 M) over a 1, 3, and 5‐day period. The salt treatments were started in the appropriate time so that they were all ten‐day‐old during harvest. Cellular membrane stability (CMS) as measured by a conductivity method and PS‐II activity values were affected adversely by NaCl concentration and duration of treatment. Both methods clearly distinguish between salt‐sensitive and salt‐tolerant genotypes. Statistical analysis showed that PS‐II activity and CMS measurements are well correlated (r=0.7589) suggesting that PS‐II activity would be used as an additional screening method besides CMS to evaluate salt tolerance of wheat.     

Descriptive Analyses of Deficiency Symptoms in Calla Lily Plants

The objective of this work was to describe the nutrition deficiencies symptoms in calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica). Seedlings were maintained in complete nutrition solution and with omission of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), boron (B), and manganese (Mn), totalizing 10 treatments. The first deficiencies symptoms appeared in plants cultivated in N omission, followed by treatments with omission of S, B, K, Fe, P, and Ca. Individual omissions of N and B prevented blooming, while S and K deficiencies resulted in production of small and greenish inflorescences with deformities. Reddish spots in leaves were observed in plants growing in solution with omission of P. Root development was affected either by omission of B or S. Death of the apical bud and formation of a “black center” in calla lily rhizome was caused by B deficiency. Nitrogen, B, and S are the most required nutrients for calla lily plants. The mineral composition of calla lily leaves is affected by nutritional deficiencies     

Acute boron toxicity in Begonia X hiemalis ’Schwabenland Red‘

Abstract

Boron toxicity was induced in Begonia X hiemalis Fotsch ‘Schwabenland Red’ by successive applications of 1.0 mM H₃BO₃ to the root medium. Treatments were initiated at progressive stages of growth. Leaf injury occurred initially on mature leaves. Symptoms progressed from mild chlorosis of the leaf margins to an eventual necrosis extending inwards 3 to 5 mm from the leaf margin. Mean concn of B in canopy leaves of plants exhibiting incipient symptoms of B toxicity ranged from 125 to 258 ppm. Older plants tended to exhibit B toxicity symptoms at lower foliar concn of B than younger plants.     

Macronutrient omission and the development and nutritional status of basil in nutritive solution

The correct nutrition of basil (Ocinum basilicum L.) is important to increase its production and quality; however, few papers have deal with this subject. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of omission of individual macronutrients on the growth and nutritional status of basil cultivated in nutritive solution. The treatments consisted of nutrient solutions with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium or sulfur (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, or S) omissions and a complete solution treatment. The plants were cultivated in 8 L plant pots. Plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, relative chlorophyll index, net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, plant dry matter, concentration levels of macronutrients in the aerial part and root system, and nutritional disorders were all evaluated. Nutrient omission was a limiting factor for plant development, substantially reducing its growth. There was also a considerable decrease in nutrient accumulation when compared to the control treatment.     

Evaluation of an acid phosphatase assay for detection of phosphorus deficiency in leaves of maize (Zea mays L.)

Assays based on acid phosphatase activity in plant tissue show promise for rapid diagnosis of phosphorus deficiency. This study was undertaken to evaluate a simple leaf disc assay for the detection of the phosphorus deficiency in maize leaves. Leaf discs were excised from 36 to 48 day old greenhouse‐grown maize plants which had been supplied with phosphate in solution culture at levels of 5, 25 or 75 yM and which had total P concentrations in the leaves ranging from 26 to 309 mmol kg^‐1 dry wt. For acid phosphatase activity determinations, discs were incubated 15 min. at 30°C with 5 mM paranitrophenol phosphate in a pH 5.8 acetate buffer. In plants which showed visual symptoms of P‐deficiency, acid phosphatase activity was 2 to 3 times as great as in P‐suf‐ficient plants. Results were inconsistent in plants which were only moderately P‐deficient. This study indicates that the leaf disc acid phosphatase assay should be useful in confirming visual diagnosis of acute phosphorus deficiency in maize, but may not be adequately sensitive to detect moderate P deficiency.     

Arsenic and Cadmium Phytoextraction Potential of Crambe Compared with Indian Mustard

ABSTRACT

The ability to tolerate and accumulate arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) was compared between Brassica juncea (Indian mustard) and Crambe abyssinica (Hochst.) (Crambe or Abyssinian mustard). Plants were grown hydroponically and treated with 70 μM sodium arsenate or 50 μ M cadmium chloride for two weeks. When nutrients were omitted during the As treatment, leaves of C. abyssinica accumulated an average of 140 mg As kg^?1, compared with 34 mg kg^?1 for B. juncea. When quarter-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution was provided during As treatment, leaves of C. abyssinica accumulated an average of 270 mg As kg^?1, compared with 13 mg kg^?1 for B. juncea. Cadmium accumulation on a dry-weight basis was approximately two times greater in shoots of B. juncea. Shoot biomass production in the presence or absence of metals was greatest for C. abyssinica. Because of its larger biomass and more efficient accumulation of As, C. abyssinica should be considered for use in phytoremediation research.     

Crambe Growth in a Soil Amended with Biochar and under Saline Irrigation

Biochar is the term given to biomass subjected to the process of change in the composition by the action of high temperatures. Advantages of biochar in soil quality have been reported, including amelioration of salinity effects. Crambe has great potential to figure as raw material for biofuel, since it naturally contains up to 60% of erucic acid. This study evaluated crambe growth in a soil amended with biochar and irrigated with saline waters. A greenhouse experiment was conducted following a completely randomized design with five levels of biochar, two irrigation water supplies, and four replications. Parameters related to soil chemical properties, crambe growth, oil, and macronutrient contents were evaluated. Biochar presented significance for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) contents. Crambe growth parameters decreased with the doses of biochar. Oil and macronutrient contents were in accordance to previous studies.     

Characterization of deficiency symptoms and mineral nutrient content in Acmella oleracea cultivated under macronutrient and boron omissions

Acmella oleracea occurs in the Amazon forest and is widely consumed in regional cuisine and folk medicine. Many studies concerning its active principles are available, but few studies have been carried out regarding mineral nutrition. The aim of this study was to characterize deficiencies symptoms and nutritional content in Acmella oleracea. The experimental design applied was a randomized block with four replications. After blooming, following treatments were applied: complete solution, absence of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur, and Boron. After harvesting, growth and nutrient content of inflorescences, new leaves, old leaves, and stems were assessed. The absence of aforementioned nutrients allowed for characterization of visual deficiency symptoms. The first observed symptom was absence of Nitrogen. The accumulation of macronutrients in inflorescences followed the order N?>?K?>?Ca?>?P?>?S?>?Mg, in new leaves, N?>?K?>?Ca?>?S>Mg?>?P, in old leaves, K?>?N?>?Ca?>?Mg?>?S?>?P, and in stems K?>?N?>?Ca?>?Mg?>?P?>?S. The greatest growth restrictions were observed in nitrogen and calcium absence treatments.     

中国烤烟中部叶矿质营养元素浓度状况

于20012～004年,从重点植烟县采集了410个烤烟中部叶样品,运用ICP测定方法和概率密度分布函数对其氮、钾、磷、钙、镁、硫、锰、铜、锌、硼、钠、铁、氯13个矿质元素的浓度特征进行了分析。结果表明:1)大量元素的变异系数较小,中量元素其次,微量元素较大;2)除氮、镁、硫、铜、锌、钠、铁外,其他元素的浓度在品种之间的差异显著,但不同指标在品种之间的高低秩序不同,例如,云烟87的磷浓度显著地高于云烟85、K326的磷浓度,而钾浓度按K326、云烟87、云烟85依次降低;3)所有元素在省份之间的差异极显著,但不同元素在地区之间的高低秩序不同,例如,河南烟叶的钾浓度显著地低于其他省份,贵州烟叶的氯离子浓度显著地高于其他地方;4)钾、磷、钙、硫、硼、钠在烟叶中的浓度符合正态分布,氮、镁、氯、锰、铜、锌、铁在烟叶中的浓度符合对数正态分布;5)氮、磷、钾、钙、镁、硫、锰、铜、锌、硼、钠、铁、氯的正常浓度范围分别为1.18～2.34、0.11～0.30、0.87～2.83、0.99～3.64、0.1～0.8、0.25～0.9、25.18～601.65、2.1～37.271、3.11～105.421、2.6～55.62、163.02～503.11、97.6～384.2、0.07～0.53(氮、磷、钾、钙、镁、硫、氯的单位为%,其余为mg/kg);6)氮、钾、氯、钾/氯比四个因素符合国际型优质烟叶质量标准的概率只有0.726、0.379、0.193、0.829,目前我国烤烟营养不够协调的主要方面是养分浓度偏低。     

Effect of Barium on Growth and Macronutrient Nutrition in Tanzania Guineagrass Grown in Nutrient Solution

Barium has been identified as a toxic element to most plants, although for grasses the toxicity has not been determined. A greenhouse experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of barium on growth parameters, barium accumulation, and macronutrient concentration in Tanzania guineagrass (Panicum maximum Jacq.), cultivated in nutrient solution. Five barium rates and a control were set in a complete randomized block design, with four replications. Forage yield, leaf area, barium, and macronutrient concentrations and accumulation were measured. Leaf area and yield sharply decreased with increase of barium concentration in the nutrient solution. The greatest barium concentration and accumulation were found in culms and sheaths. Toxic barium concentrations were estimated to be 1.24 mmol L^?1 (170 mg L^?1) in nutrient solution and 225 mg kg^?1 in the diagnostic leaf, and the main symptoms of toxicity were interveinal chlorosis followed by necrotic spots in the leaf laminae of the grass.     

不同施氮量下缺钾对水稻叶片营养及生理性状的影响

【目的】氮和钾是作物生长所必需的大量元素,在水稻生长发育、产量形成等过程中发挥着至关重要的作用。南方稻田缺钾以及氮钾肥不合理施用已成为限制水稻高产的重要影响因子。本研究在田间条件下,探讨了不同施氮量下缺钾对水稻生长发育与叶片生理特性的影响,进而阐明缺钾导致营养生长期水稻叶色暗绿的营养及生理机制。【方法】采用两因素完全随机设计田间试验,因素A为不同施氮水平,包括不施氮、低氮（N 90 kg/hm2）和正常施氮（N 180 kg/hm2）;因素B为不同施钾水平,包括不施钾和正常施钾（K₂O 120 kg/hm2）。测定水稻分蘖期和幼穗分化期地上部干物质,叶面积指数,叶片氮、钾、镁和叶绿素含量（叶色值）,叶片含水率、叶片可溶性糖含量、比叶重以及叶片SPAD值。【结果】1）在不施氮条件下缺钾对水稻分蘖期和幼穗分化期干物质、叶面积指数均无显著影响,而在施氮条件下显著降低水稻分蘖期和幼穗分化期干物质、叶面积指数;随施氮量的增加,缺钾对干物质及叶面积指数的影响加剧,其中N₁₈₀K₀处理的降幅最为明显;氮钾交互作用对水稻各生育期的干物质和叶面积指数均有显著或极显著影响。2）在不施氮条件下缺钾对分蘖期和幼穗分化期叶片氮含量和叶绿素含量、叶片可溶性糖含量、比叶重以及叶片SPAD值均无显著影响,而在施氮条件下以上各指标显著增加,其中N₉₀K₀处理的叶片氮含量和叶绿素含量均可以达到N₁₈₀K₁₂₀处理水平;无论施氮与否,缺钾均显著降低分蘖期和幼穗分化期叶片钾含量,而显著增加叶片镁含量。3）回归分析结果表明,比叶重与叶片可溶性糖含量呈极显著正相关关系（P < 0.01）。【结论】水稻干物质、叶面积指数、叶片营养及生理状况、叶色表现等对缺钾的响应明显受到施氮量的影响。在施氮条件下缺钾造成叶片中可溶性糖大量积累,进而导致比叶重增加;结合田间试验观察及叶片营养及生理性状可知,水稻叶色（叶绿素含量）在不施氮条件下不受缺钾的影响;而在施氮条件下,缺钾造成水稻叶片单位质量及单位叶面积氮含量和叶绿素含量显著增加,这是田间条件下水稻叶色呈现暗绿的主要原因,从而也影响生育期植株氮素营养诊断。     

Effects of magnesium and potassium soil applications on yields and leaf nutrient concentrations of red raspberries and on soil analyses

Abstract

Magnesium and potassium applications did not affect yield of Willamette raspberries in a study conducted between 1974 and 1977 in British Columbia. Potassium increased berry size but only in one of the three years that berry size was recorded. Leaf Mg, K, Ca and P concentration plateaus were established using biweekly sampling in 1977 and comparison with literature data of studies on a similar soil and with the same raspberry cultivar. New cane leaf K was relatively stable between August 10 and September 25, Mg between July 10 and August 15 and P between September 1 and 20. A relatively stable concentration plateau for Ca occurred between July 10 and August 5 but was not as consistent from year to year as were Mg, K and P concentration plateaus. Correlations between soil nutrient extraction values and corresponding leaf nutrient concentrations (during the established concentration plateaus) were found for both Mg and K, with Mg being better than K.     

The effect of nitrogen and boron soil applications on raspberry leaf N,B and Mn concentrations and on selected soil analyses

Abstract

Four years after yearly applications of N (0, 67, 134 and 268 kg/ha in a N rate trial) soil pH and soil extractable K, Ca and Mg were reduced. Boron application (1 kg/ha in a N x B interaction trial) increased hot water extractable soil B and soil extractable Mg. Old and new cane leaf N concentration was increased by N application but B application resulted in only a very small effect. Both N and B applications increased leaf B concentrations. Leaf Mn was increased by N application, probably because of the reduced soil pH. Boron had little effect on leaf Mn. It was concluded that leaf tissue is not suitable for determining the requirements of N and B fertilizer because of the instability of B concentrations in the leaves within and between seasons. Sampling of new cane leaves in July showed promise for diagnosing Mn requirements since the concentration during that month was relatively stable in three separate years of sampling.     

Discriminating Organic and Conventional Coffee Production Systems Through Soil and Foliar Analysis Using Multivariate Approach

This study tested the hypothesis that evaluating soil and leaf nutrient contents is useful to discriminate organic and conventional management systems of coffee plantations. The study consisted of areas planted with Coffea arabica under organic or conventional management located in Espírito Santo, Brazil. We detected significant differences between both management systems when we utilized multivariate statistics to discriminate the areas. In our experiments, the principal mineral leaf nutrients, which acted as indicators were phosphor (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn), with higher contents in the organic coffee production system. The only mineral nutrient, which showed significantly lower values in leaves as well as in soil of organic coffee is boron (B). The implications of these findings are discussed. However, when using univariate statistics, like ANOVA or t-test, we did not find any significant difference between both management systems, although using the same dataset. Therefore, to discriminate between complex systems, we always recommend to recur to multivariate methodologies that are more adequate for such cases.     

不同砧木对嫁接西瓜经济产量及叶片矿质营养含量的影响

以西农八号西瓜为接穗,金瓜、中国南瓜、葫芦为砧木,研究了不同砧木对嫁接苗成活率、经济产量及各个处理生长发育期内叶片中9种营养元素含量变化的影响。结果表明,以葫芦为砧木的嫁接苗成活率最高,达到91.8%,极显著高于另外两种砧木嫁接苗的成活率; 同时,该组合产量也极显著高于对照及其他两个嫁接组合。三种砧木显著提高了生殖生长期接穗叶片中N、K、Ca、Mg的含量,其中葫芦砧木还显著提高了叶片中Cu、Zn、Mn的含量。金瓜-西农八号组合（Q-X）营养生长期叶片N、Zn含量,生殖生长期叶片中Cu、Mn的含量显著低于对照; 中国南瓜-西农八号组合（R-X）营养生长期Cu、Zn含量,生殖生长期Mn的含量显著低于对照。相关分析显示,西瓜叶片中不同矿质元素含量间的相关性随生育阶段而异。试验结果表明,葫芦砧木能显著提高接穗叶片中矿质营养含量,是组合葫芦-西农八号(G-X)增产的主要原因之一。     

Upregulation of the genes for ferritin,RNase, and DnaJ in leaves of rice plants in response to sulfur deficiency

Microarray analysis was carried out with mRNAs isolated from aerial portions of rice plants subjected to sulfur deficiency. Among the candidate clones regulated by sulfur deficiency, three genes were identified by northern analysis that showed altered levels of mRNA accumulation. Genes similar to those for ferritin, S-like ribonuclease, and DnaJ-like protein were down-, down-, and upregulated by sulfate deficiency, respectively. These genes were found for the first time to be responsive to sulfur nutrition in the present study.     

Seasonal changes in leaf element content of cranberry,vaccinium macrocarpon ait

Abstract

Seasonal changes in leaf element composition were measured at 2‐week intervals in A Oregon cranberry bogs from June 1 to September 15 for a 3‐year period. Nitrogen, P, K, and Zn leaf concentrations decreased during the season while concentrations of Ca, Mg, B, Mn, and Fe increased. Periods of 30‐day minimal internal flux varied from July 15 to September 15, depending on the element. It was concluded that 2 samples, 1 from June 15 to July 15 for Mg, Mn, and Fe and 1 from August 15 to Sep‐ tember 1 for N, P, K, Ca, Cu, B, and Zn, would have to be taken to adequately diagnose the nutrient status of all of the essential elements for cranberry.     

Preliminary NPK foliar diagnostic norms for wheat

Abstract

Foliar diagnostic norms for NPK in wheat leaves derived using Beaufils’ Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) are presented. These norms were calculated from published and unpublished data of various workers who presented leaf composition with corresponding yields. The preliminary norms appear to be applicable to wheat irrespective of variety and age at which the leaf sample is taken. These norms are able to correctly diagnose the requirements of the crop more often than those based on the critical or sufficiency level approach.     

钙镁缺乏对不同甘薯品种的生长及矿质元素吸收的影响

为了探索钙、镁元素缺乏对不同甘薯品种的生长及矿质元素吸收的影响,采用砂培的方法,以苏16和苏11为材料,在钙、镁缺乏条件下,对其外观症状、叶绿素含量、光合作用、地上与地下部分生物量及其根部和叶部矿质元素含量进行了研究。结果表明:钙、镁缺乏时苏16和苏11的叶绿素含量、净光合速率、地上和地下生物量均显著下降,苏11的下降幅度比苏16大,缺钙条件下,苏16的显著症状为烂根,并且只有根部和叶部的钙含量显著下降(P0.05),苏11的典型症状为老叶坏死的斑块沿着靠近叶柄的叶边缘不规则向外扩散,逐渐衰老枯落,并且根部钙含量显著降低伴随铁的显著降低(P0.05),可能伴有缺铁并发症,缺镁条件下,苏16和苏11的典型症状相同,叶片均失绿,老叶逐渐枯萎脱落,并且根部和叶部的镁含量显著降低伴随着硫含量的显著降低(P0.05),可能伴有缺硫并发症。